Before or after venturing to the 265-acre Bronx Zoo to see its over 10,000 animals or to the New York Botanical Garden to check out their summer exhibition by celebrated artist Ebony G. Patterson, families can grab a meal just steps away at one of the many family-friendly and family-owned businesses on Arthur Avenue. Bronx Little Italy features something for everyone in the family, and it’s a great way to spend an entire day during school vacation, all without having to leave the neighborhood. And before you leave, you can bring home groceries or a delicious souvenir from the countless butchers, bakers, fish markets, delicatessens, pastry shops, specialty grocery stores, and more.
Some of the local businesses to visit for fun this summer include:
- Frankie’s Restaurant (NEW) – Frankie’s Restaurant is a recent addition to the historic neighborhood. Their traditional approach to Italian cuisine is a can’t-miss. Some menu highlights include cacio e pepe, branzino, bone in ribeye and arancini. Located in the heart of Bronx Little Italy, the family-owned business is a great new spot to make reservations for dinner with the family after exploring the Bronx!
- Proper Pizza (NEW) – Opening its 61st location worldwide, Proper Pizza is another newcomer to Bronx Little Italy. Originating in Kosovo, the menu is full of creative takes on the traditional pizza. From the beloved Margherita to the unique Buffalo Chicken, there are choices to please every pizza lover in the family. Proper Pizza also caters to kids with a sweet tooth with their Crunchy Nutella Pizza!
- Bato Coffee and Wine – This cozy corner of Bronx Little Italy offers a delightful fusion of coffee, wine, and small bites. Whether a midday cocktail for adults, or fun bites and platters for the family, Bato has a passion for local flavors and artisan products. This summer, they will be offering live music on weekends and a special summer menu that features drinks such as a wine raspberry mango Frose and coffee with ice cream and summer bites including the Lira Platter, with fresh watermelon and burrata cheese, and the Bato Platter full of Albanian charcuterie items.
In addition, just in time for back-to-school, Bronx Little Italy will host their Annual Ferragosto Festival on Sunday, September 10th from 12-6pm. Every Sunday after Labor Day for the past 20+ years, the festival has served as a celebration of what the neighborhood has to offer as a historic and culinary center. Ferragosto will be an opportunity to enjoy a fun, community-focused day and experience first-hand the neighborhood’s old-world charm and Italian traditions.
To learn even more about the neighborhood, you can check out the Bronx Little Italy on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
